We're halting our own energy progress

Re “Trump suspends major wind projects, cites national security,” Dec. 23

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CAROLYN KASTER Associated Press

THE TRUMP administration ordered an immediate pause on five major offshore wind projects, citing national security risks due to radar interference.

OFFSHORE wind is an emerging technology with massive potential to provide clean, inexpensive, safe energy.

Many nations have set significant national targets. It’s projected that offshore wind capacity will almost triple over the next five years.

According to Politico, the five offshore wind projects paused by the Trump administration would be able to power nearly 2.7 million homes for up to 30 years using a free, nonpolluting fuel: wind. Alternatively, to power those homes with fossil fuels would mean an unending cycle of digging up coal, oil or gas, transporting it, and burning it to generate electricity. In the process, we pollute our air — causing disease and death — and our atmosphere with heat-trapping carbon pollution, furthering global warming and climate change.

Fossil fuel interests have worked for years to discredit offshore wind projects. A 2023 investigation by Brown University’s Climate and Development Lab revealed that, in recent years, six major fossil fuel and dark money donors have funneled more than $72 million to the various organizations fighting offshore wind.

The transition to a clean energy future will be significantly affected by the speed with which offshore wind projects are developed. Knowing this, fossil fuel interests will do all they can to slow it down.

ROBERT TAYLORSanta Barbara